BRUSSELS / EuroWire / — The European Union approved stricter steel import rules aimed at protecting its market from global overcapacity, tightening a trade shield before an existing safeguard expires on June 30, 2026. The Council of the EU adopted the regulation on June 8. The measure creates a new framework for steel imports into the bloc and replaces the current safeguard system that has applied since 2018.
The new regulation lowers tariff-free steel import quotas and raises the cost of imports that exceed those limits. It sets annual tariff-free import volumes at 18.3 million tonnes. That level marks a 47% cut from 2024 steel quotas. Imports above the quota face a 50% customs duty, compared with the 25% duty under the current system.
The rules apply to steel products covered by the new framework and include tighter origin checks. Importers must provide information that shows where steel was melted and poured. The European Parliament supported that traceability rule during the legislative process. The Council of the EU said the framework seeks to protect the steel sector while preserving supply for users of steel.
Quota system tightened
The regulation uses a revised tariff-rate quota model. It allows imports to enter the European Union without duty up to set limits. Once those limits are reached, higher duties apply. The system also limits how unused quotas move between periods. Unused volumes may carry over between quarters only within the same year.
The measure follows agreement between the European Parliament and member states in April 2026. The European Parliament approved the law in May. The Council’s adoption completed the final step at EU level. Officials linked the measure to the Steel and Metals Action Plan of 2025, which set out steps for energy-intensive metal industries.
Steel origin checks expanded
The regulation gives Ukraine specific consideration when the EU allocates country quotas. Lawmakers cited Ukraine’s status as an EU candidate country and its security situation. The text also includes a review clause. The European Commission must assess within six months whether more steel products should fall under the regulation.
The EU steel market has faced pressure from surplus global production and diverted trade flows. The new rules keep steel safeguards in place after June 30 and reset import access for foreign producers. The European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament each played formal roles in the measure, which now forms the bloc’s main steel import protection framework.